No one wants to spend Christmas being ill, but if you do find yourself feeling grotty then your pharmacist can offer expert advice without an appointment.

Health experts at NHS Norfolk and Waveney are reminding people of the many services offered by their local pharmacist.

This includes answering questions on health, giving advice on medicines and their side effects and reviewing patients who take more than one medicine.

Ian Small, deputy head of prescribing at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “Sometimes people forget that pharmacists are actually highly skilled health professionals. They are always happy to offer prompt advice to everyone, whether you need medication for yourself or for your child.

“The best thing about pharmacies is that they are located in the community. In England, 99% of people are never more than a 20 minutes drive from a pharmacy – they are easily accessible and you don’t need an appointment.

“They treat everything in confidence and most have private rooms for more sensitive or personal issues.”

People will want to spend as much of their Christmas break as possible with their loved ones so self care is the best option for common complaints such as colds, aches and pains. Ask your pharmacist about medicine cabinet essentials such as painkillers and rehydration salts to ensure you spend as much time enjoying the festivities as possible.

“Pharmacists don’t just dispense prescriptions,” Ian added. “They can answer many questions on your health, such as disease prevention and nutrition, what your medicine is for, how you should use it and its side-effects. Many pharmacists now offer NHS funded support programmes for giving up smoking and can provide information on sexual health and contraception.

“Your pharmacist is the person to ask if you have a minor injury or illness. Many pharmacies are open seven days a week and are often a more convenient alternative to making an appointment with your GP.”

Lauren Dyble from the Norfolk Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: “Pharmacists also know when to refer to your GP and will not hesitate to do so if necessary, so this can be a good check before going to the doctor especially during busy times.

“They are used to embarrassing or sensitive questions, so if you would like to speak in private just ask; private areas are available specifically for this purpose.”

Pharmacy opening times during the Christmas and New Year period can be found at www.norfolk.nhs.uk and www.gywpct.nhs.uk

If you need medical help fast but it is not an emergency you can call 111, the free NHS helpline.

‘Remember the new 111 number over Christmas’ urge doctors

Doctors are reminding members of the public to use the new 111 helpline phone number over the festive period for urgent healthcare queries.

Medical advice and urgent healthcare information can now be accessed by calling 111 rather than NHS Direct.

Patients or families needing immediate help with a medical enquiry but who are not sure if they need treatment or where they can get help, can call the easy-to-remember 111 number 24 hours a day, seven days a week – including over Christmas and New Year.

Dr Penny Ayling, a practising GP and clinical lead for 111, said: “We would always encourage people to self care or visit their pharmacist for advice in the first instance, but if this isn’t possible and their GP surgery is closed, there is the option of ringing 111.”

Patients can call the freephone number for non-emergency but urgent medical concerns that cannot wait until the following day to see your GP. The service can also help someone find their nearest NHS dentist.

The Norfolk 111 service is run by East of England Ambulance Trust (EEAST).

Dr Nick Morton,  Associate Medical Director at EEAST and local practising GP, said: “We know many people have in the past turned to NHS Direct over the festive period, which is great, but now we want to start to educate the public to call 111 instead. Anyone who calls NHS Direct will have their query answered by the 111 service.

“However, please remember to use all health services sensibly over the holiday period.”

NHS 111 is part of a range of services available for patients in Norfolk and Waveney. As well as GP services and pharmacies, there are two Walk-In Centres and three minor injuries units across the area.

If you need to be seen immediately but you do not have a serious illness or injury you can visit:

*Timber Hill Walk-In Centre in Norwich’s Castle Mall is open from 7am to 9pm every day.
*Greyfriars walk-in centre, Phoenix House, Howard Street South, Great Yarmouth from is open from 8am to 8pm every day.
*Cromer Minor Injuries Unit, Cromer Hospital, Mill Road is open from 8am to 8pm every day.
*Beccles Hospital Minor Injuries Unit, St Mary’s Road, Beccles is open from 8am to 8pm every day.
*Southwold Surgery Minor Injuries Unit, York Road, Southwold is open during normal surgery hours, Monday to Friday. 

Patients can find out where their nearest open pharmacy is through either: www.norfolk.nhs.uk and at www.gywpct.nhs.uk